What is the first action that should be taken if a member of your hunting group has a broken bone?

FIRST AID FACT SHEET

How to treat broken bones and fractures

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FIRST AID FACT SHEET
How to treat broken bones and fractures
Types of Fractures
Signs and symptoms
Signs & Symptoms of a Broken Bone
Call 911 Right Away If:
Think Prevention!
Treating Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Treating a Chest Wound

A fracture is a broken bone. It can be difficult to tell whether the injury is a fracture, dislocation, sprain or strain. If in doubt, always treat as a fracture.

Types of Fractures

Closed - Bone is broken with skin intact.
Open - Broken bone protrudes through skin or there is a wound.
Complicated - Associated injury to a major nerve, blood vessel, or vital organ(s).

Follow DRSABCD St John Action Plan
Control any bleeding and cover any wounds.
Rest and reassure, ask the casualty to remain still.
Immobilise the fracture in most comfortable position:

DO NOT attempt to force a fracture back into place.

Use broad bandages (where possible) to immobilise the fracture.
Place a padded splint along the injured limb then bandage above and below the fracture site leaving a five (5) cm gap either side of the fracture to prevent movement.

DO NOT bandage over the fracture.

The casualty may be able to support the fracture themselves.
Check that bandages are not too tight or too loose and every fifteen (15) minutes and watch for signs of loss of circulation to hands or feet.
Seek medical aid or call Triple Zero (000) for an ambulance if required.

Caused by

Direct force - at site of impact.
Indirect forces e.g. fall on feet and break spinal bone.

Signs and symptoms

Pain at or near the site of the injury.
Difficult or impossible normal movement.
Loss of function.
Deformity or abnormal mobility.
Tenderness and swelling.
Discolouration and bruising.
Broken bone penetrating skin and bleeding.

1. Encourage the person to support the injury with their hand, or use a cushion or item of clothing to prevent unnecessary movement. Supporting the injury may help relieve pain and prevent further damage. Support the limb above and below the injury if possible.

What is a broken bone?

A broken bone happens when one of your bones becomes cracked or broken into multiple pieces. It’s also known as a fracture. It can result from a sports injury, accident, or violent trauma.

Broken bones usually aren’t life threatening, but they do require immediate medical care. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of a broken bone, provide first-aid treatment, and get professional help.

A broken bone can cause one or more of the following signs and symptoms:

intense pain in the injured area that gets worse when you move it
numbness in the injured area
bluish color, swelling, or visible deformity in the injured area
bone protruding through the skin
heavy bleeding at the injury site

If you suspect that someone has a broken bone, provide first-aid treatment and help them get professional care:

Stop any bleeding: If they’re bleeding, elevate and apply pressure to the wound using a sterile bandage, a clean cloth, or a clean piece of clothing.
Immobilize the injured area: If you suspect they’ve broken a bone in their neck or back, help them stay as still as possible. If you suspect they’ve broken a bone in one of their limbs, immobilize the area using a splint or sling.
Apply cold to the area: Wrap an ice pack or bag of ice cubes in a piece of cloth and apply it to the injured area for up to 10 minutes at a time.
Treat them for shock: Help them get into a comfortable position, encourage them to rest, and reassure them. Cover them with a blanket or clothing to keep them warm.
Get professional help: Call 911 or help them get to the emergency department for professional care.

If the person doesn’t appear to be breathing, is unconscious, or both, call 911 for medical help and begin CPR. You should also call 911 if:

you suspect they’ve broken a bone in their head, neck, or back
the fractured bone has pushed through their skin
they’re bleeding heavily

Otherwise, help them get to the emergency department by car or other means so a doctor can diagnose their condition and recommend appropriate treatment.

Last medically reviewed on October 17, 2016

Reviewed by: Melanie L. Pitone, MD

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Broken bones (or fractures) are a common injury, especially after a fall. No matter what part might be broken or how big or small the injury may seem, all broken bones need medical care.

Here's what to do if you or someone you are with might have a broken bone.

Signs & Symptoms of a Broken Bone

A bone might be broken if:

You heard a "snap" or a grinding noise during an injury.
There's swelling, bruising, or tenderness.
The injured part is hard to move or hurts when moving, being touched, or bearing weight.
There is a deformity — this means that the body part looks crooked or different than it did before the injury.

What to Do

Remove clothing from the injured area. If doing this is very painful, use scissors to cut off the clothing.
Apply an ice pack wrapped in cloth.
Do not attempt to move or reposition the injured limb.
Place a simple splint, if you have one, on the broken area. A splint holds the bone still and protects it until you see a doctor. To make a temporary splint, you can use a small board, cardboard, or folded up newspapers and wrap it with an elastic bandage or tape.
Get medical care. The injured person should not eat or drink in case surgery is required.

Call 911 Right Away If:

You or someone else had a serious injury to the head, neck, or back.
A broken bone comes through the skin. While waiting for help:
- The injured person should lie down.
- Do not wash the wound or push in any part that's sticking out.

Think Prevention!

Not every fracture can be prevented. But you can make a break less likely. Follow these tips:

Wear the safety gear designed for any sport you play.
Follow helmet and safety gear rules when you ride a bike, skateboard, scooter, or use any type of skates and roller blades.
Always wear a seat belt.

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Moving a victim with a head, neck, or spinal cord injury should be left to paramedics or other professionals because permanent damage could result from improper handling.

If a victim must be pulled to safety, move him or her lengthwise and head first, supporting the head and neck. Keep the spine in alignment.

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For burns, the immediate goals are to relieve pain, prevent infection, and treat for shock.

First- and second-degree burns with closed blisters are best treated with cold water.
- Immerse the burned area, or cover it with cloths that have been soaked in cold water—don’t use ice water.
- Avoid using butter or any type of greasy ointment because they can interfere with healing and cause an allergic reaction.
Second- and third-degree burns with open blisters should be wrapped with a loose, dry dressing.

Treating Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Improperly working camp stoves and lanterns, as well as wood and charcoal fires, can produce lethal carbon monoxide.

Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include headache, dizziness, weakness, and difficulty in breathing. The victim’s skin can turn red, and he or she can lose consciousness.
Get victims into fresh air immediately, and keep them lying quietly. Prompt medical care is essential.

Treating a Chest Wound

A bullet striking the chest can cause a sucking chest wound—a deep, open wound of the chest wall that allows air into the chest cavity.

All chest injuries are very serious and need immediate medical attention.
To respond immediately to a chest wound:
- Use the palm of your hand to cover the wound until a bandage is located.
- Cover the wound with sterile gauze, a clean cloth, plastic, or foil.
- Make sure the wound cover forms an airtight seal.
- Hold the gauze in place with a bandage or tape.
- If the victim has trouble breathing, remove the bandage, and replace it quickly.
- Transport the victim to the hospital with the injured side down.